Gov. Rick Perry, who is nearing a decision on a potential 2012 presidential run, threw in a familiar jab at federal border security efforts under President Obama during remarks to a Texas Municipal Police Association conference today.

Perry lauded law officers’ work and touted work during the just-completed legislative session, including measures aimed at human trafficking and to protect the confidentiality of communication between first responders and counselors who are part of a critical incident stress management team.

Gov. Rick Perry at a recent political appearance in New Orleans. (Patrick Semansky/Associated Press)

The governor held a ceremonial bill signing for the latter at the conference; he actually signed it into law earlier, and it takes effect Sept. 1.

Perry also touted Texas efforts to protect the border, saying it has dedicated funding because it’s been forced to “step into the gap and take care of our people” in the absence of the federal government doing so.

He said that the “federal government continues to turn a blind eye to this problem.”

As he has before, Perry contended the federal government has “been stonewalling” the state on its appeals, saying Texas has called for additional border patrol agents and National Guard troops.